Hawkesbury Classic

111Km overnight paddle from Windsor to Brooklyn, that is in its 32nd year. This event is for both keen racers and masochists. The event raises funds for the Arrow Bone Marrow Transplant Foundation.

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25 Comments

Comment by Simon McGuire on October 15, 2009 at 1:36pm

Thanks Graeme. It is often said the paddlers have the easy job on the night.

Comment by John Anderson on October 15, 2009 at 12:07pm

Well done Graeme.

Owen, I'm afraid that I will have to restrict myself to sleep deprivation and sloshing through warm squishy things in the middle of the night. At least for the next month or two. :)

Comment by Owen Walton on October 15, 2009 at 10:56am

Graeme Auld has "signed on" to assist with the Landcrewing duties and is now an integral part of the mighty HKK M730 Racing Team. He has commenced training in sleep deprivation, sloshing through cold river water at midnight and lugging all sorts of kayak gear to and from unfamiliar riverside locations at all hours. If you reckon you have those special qualities required to do this job, (including pain tolerance and the ability to inflict self harm) we can certainly fit you in. Just think, in the years to come you will be able to boast to family, friends and envious strangers, that you were part of this historic 1st for the HKK.

Comment by Owen Walton on September 14, 2009 at 9:31am

LANDCREW WANTED Currently 3 Klanners (Annie, Pat & Simon) are having a crack at this year's 111KM overnight Classic. They would be greatful (as would I) for some additional landcrew to assist overnight. It's a long, hard job without the tremendous self satisfaction that the paddlers get at the finish; but it is absolutely essential! It requires being at Windsor from mid morning on the Saturday preparing the boat, gear and paddler for the event, following your paddler throughout the night to the various checkpoints attending to their various needs, until finally around midday Sunday at Brooklyn when we pack up and go home. Some experienced hands reckon the paddlers have the easier job. They also say that landcrewing is an experience that is very, very rewarding. If anyone would like to give the "team" a hand, let me know and we'll sort out the arrangements; you will be most welcome.

Comment by Owen Walton on September 12, 2009 at 11:10pm

Today 2 Lady Klanners (Annie and Pat) competed in the final (daytime) familiarisation race from Windsor to Sackville, (in their M530 and P&H Cetus seakayaks,) a distance of just on 30Km. The pair went stroke for stroke throughout, completing the trip in just over 3hr 30min, with Annie just "out-touching" Pat at the finish - see photos

Comment by Owen Walton on September 5, 2009 at 10:30am

Last night Annie and I attended the 1st get together of the unofficial NSWSC team for the HCC. The main speaker was Richard Barry who has competed in 28 (of the 33) races. Although he normally races a K1, last year he did it in a little surf kayak, just for fun! As well as this he has competed in several Murray Marathons (400+Km), white watered throughout Chile (the world hotspot), paddled solo in the Antacrtic, crossed Bass Straight and circumnavigated Tassie (Mirage 580 of course). He is about the most enthusiastic kayaker you could ever meet. Several other "veterans" were also there passing on tips and experiences to the eager "novices". Slides were shown, questions were asked and answered, pizza was eaten and a great night was had by all. Tonight we are off on a night paddle (around Pulbah) for a bit of practice if anyone is interested.

Comment by Simon McGuire on July 10, 2009 at 2:57pm

Hey Coach - I thought it was closer to 33km's? Sure felt like it. My bloody calf muscles were screaming for a good 4 days after this paddle! One notch forward next time for the footrests should do the trick.

I am ok for the next famil paddle as well but might try to catch up prior to that for another hitout. Also Coach you will be pleased to know that I am off to see a sports dietician next week to ensure my vego diet is spot on.

Comment by Owen Walton on July 10, 2009 at 10:34am

Last Saturday Annie and Simon had their 1st paddle together, in the 2nd familiarisation race, Wisemans to Spencer - about 28 Km. It was good weather for the event; very cold at the start (3 Deg C on the car computer) which prompted them all to get going quickly to warm up. They went OK for their 1st paddle together, finishing about half way back in the field in 2h 35m 37s. Again, the "Queen Mary" was the middle finisher in the "Mirage 730 Division". Simon was a bit uncomfortable toward the end as the foot controls were not in the ideal position for him and could not be altered out on the water. (I reckon these young blokes just don't appreciate the ecstacy of pain and suffering!) Photo shows them crossing the finishing line - NB paddles are still in synch!

Comment by Anne Moore on June 25, 2009 at 9:22pm

Simon,
Hope your new job is going well. Are you still ok to paddle the Queen Mary next Saturday 4 july in the 2nd fam paddle from Spencer to Wiseman's. Let me know asap and I'll book us in. Otherwise I'll have to take the old boy again.

Comment by Owen Walton on June 14, 2009 at 11:36pm

Annie and I did the 1st "familiarisation paddle" from Brooklyn to Spencer and return on Saturday, total of 22Km. After registering we were issued with a race number, we lined up (about 50 yaks of all kinds) and off we all went - flat out! We had the tide against us on the upstream journey, but it helped on the way home. We went OK, being the 3rd (of 5) M730s home, (but 1st mixed crew, 1st without "wing" paddles). It was a good experience and I can't wait till the next "familiarisation" - as I will be on shore and Simon will be in the rear seat! Incidently, at least one skinny racing boat tipped in (at the start), the race was won by a double Elliott racer paddled by 2 big gun men paddlers, whilst the last boat in was a single outrigger. Several boats pulled out (reasons unknown). If you are even considering doing this race in October, you should join in the upcoming series of "familiarisations" (cost $15).

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